SURREY, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 1999--NII Norsat Diamond Pacific Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NII Norsat International Inc. (NASDAQ:NSATF) (TSE:NII.), today announced that it has changed its name to "Norsat America Inc." and sharpened its sales organization's focus on key markets.

"The name change reflects Norsat's commitment to be a leading distribution channel for DirecTV(R) satellite television, and the national scope of its efforts to develop the MDU market in the United States," said Edward Johnson, Norsat America's president. "The name change also signals the refocusing of NII Norsat International on its core satellite technologies and the opportunities presented by its global marketing and distribution capabilities."

Norsat America, a leading U.S. distributor of consumer satellite and home entertainment systems, is a Master Systems Operator (MSO) which supplies DirecTV satellite programming and related products and services to the rapidly growing U.S. multiple dwelling unit (MDU) market.

Norsat America announced the creation of three dedicated sales groups, each headed by a manager. Guy Horton was named National Sales Manager for the MDU, SMATV (Satellite Master Antenna Television) and commercial market group. Wayne Watters was named Eastern Sales Manager and Jaime Bartlett, Western Sales Manager, for TVRO (single-family) products and services. Horton has been with Norsat America in sales management; Bartlett managed sales for Norsat's Aurora subsidiary, which was recently sold; Watters, with significant industry experience, recently joined Norsat.

"The sales manager appointments and the creation of separate sales organizations enable us to tailor our programs to the precise requirements of the respective market sectors," Johnson continued. "By fielding a dedicated group of MDU sales specialists, our ability to target and effectively service potential DirecTV systems operators, building owners, and commercial businesses will be greatly enhanced. Similarly, on the TVRO side, we have added management talent and better positioned our sales force to serve their customers."

NII Norsat International Inc. designs, engineers and distributes premium products for use in wireless satellite communications and cable television industries. The company operates a growing network of 15 branch offices across North America, and serves international markets from branch offices in the Asia Pacific region and Europe.

This document may contain certain forward-looking information and statements concerning the company's operations, performance and financial condition, including, in particular, the likelihood of the company's success in developing and expanding its business. These statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

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